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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

The so-called "419" scam is a type of fraud dominated by criminals from Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Victims of the scam are promised a large amount of money, such as a lottery prize, inheritance, money sitting in some bank account, etc.

Victims never receive this non-existent fortune but are tricked into sending their money to the criminals, who remain anonymous. They hide their real identity and location by using fake names and fake postal addresses as well as communicating via anonymous free email accounts and mobile phones.

Keep in mind that scammers DO NOT use their real names when defrauding people.
The criminals either abuse names of real people or companies or invent names or addresses.
Any real people or companies mentioned below have NO CONNECTION to the scammers!

Read more about such scams here or in our 419 FAQ. Use the Scam-O-Matic to verify suspect emails.

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Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: Mrs Melissa Pointer <pointerfreewill@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2006 06:34:27 +0100 (BST)
Subject: BLESSINGS AWAITS YOU


Dear Beloved,

I am pleased about your response as God in his infinite mercies will contunue to bless you in your bid to help me in this worthy course of mine to humanity.
Delays in my mails are due to my present predicament which i am sure you are aware of.

I will need the following informations from you so i can send it to the security company, so they be informed and also get prepared neccessary documents you will need in the process of helping collect the funds on my behalf.

Full Name

Address

Phone/Fax Number

Occupation

Age

Nationality

Marital Status

I will expect a swift return mail from you as soon as possible so we can get this done immedaitely as i will want this concluded within the week so you can start helping the lesspriviledged around the world.

Please have this money distributed as i will want my last wishes fulfilled, as you do this i know God will be with you all the way.

I will always need your prayers.

Regards
Melissa Pointer.


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